Singapore unit labour costs to rise this year despite ‘flat’ 2025

Singapore Business Review
2026.02.18 15:17
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Singapore's unit labour costs (ULC) are projected to rise in 2026 after remaining flat in 2025, as productivity growth slows and wages increase. The Ministry of Trade and Industry reports that while total labour cost per worker rose by 3.4%, it was offset by a 3.5% gain in productivity. ULC increased in services and construction sectors, while manufacturing saw a decline. The largest ULC rises were noted in administrative services, retail trade, and food & beverage services, driven by higher remuneration and lower productivity.